The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) soon will allow travelers to keep their shoes on while during the screening process, dropping a rule after nearly 20 years of enforcement, multiple outlets reported Monday.
The change has not been announced publicly and the agency, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has not confirmed the shift.
“TSA and DHS are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture,” a TSA spokesperson said in an emailed statement to NewsNation. “Any potential updates to our security process will be issued through official channels.”
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to a CBS News report detailing the change by writing, “Big news from @DHSgov!” Tuesday morning on social media platform X, including a plane and shoe emoji.
The move was first reported Friday by Gate Access, a travel newsletter authored by Caleb Harmon-Marshall.
TSA has required travelers to take off their shoes when going through screening since 2006, based on “intelligence pointing to a continuing threat.”
The policy came into effect after Richard Reid attempted in December 2001, months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, to detonate bombs hidden in his shoes on an American Airlines flight scheduled from Paris to Miami.
He struggled to light the fuse, with crew members and passengers restraining him, according to the FBI. The plane was diverted to Boston, and law enforcement took the man into custody.
Reid pleaded guilty to eight terrorism-related counts in October 2002 and was sentenced to life in prison.